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Sexual harassment, Hollywood, Weinstein + others

This man Terry Crews’ account absolutely nails what is at the heart of the whole question of sexual harassment + abuse and why the women who are coming forward now re Weinstein haven't done so before. It's all to do with power and control, establishing a power relationship that the victim is powerless to do anything about. The abuser knows this which it why they feel they can get away with it, even when, as is the case of this former-sportsman-turned-actor, it takes place at a very public function in full view of other people, including the victim's wife. The fact that the victim is also black gives it echoes of how black slaves were treated... "I own you, so I can do what I want with you... I will humiliate you in front of those you love so that you know your place and will stay in it."

Oh, and it wasn't Weinstein but someone else.

Here's a quote from the second article:

"But perhaps most glaringly, Crews' story shines a light on the myth that sexual assault and harassment only happens to women who look a certain way, act a certain way, or dress a certain way. It shows the crime isn't innocent, or one of sex. That it isn't just overzealous feminists with an agenda to ruin hardworking men, complaining about workplace "banter". Crews shows that sexual harassment and assault are crimes not of sex, but of power.

As a former NFL linebacker, Crews is physically imposing. Yet this studio executive still felt comfortable and secure enough to grope his private parts in view of not only his wife but presumably anyone else present at this public function. Crews is an actor, dependent upon studio executives for his livelihood, and out of fear of career repercussions, of not being believed, of the shame society places on victims of sexual assault, and of the innate power imbalance between executive and actor, he remained silent. He didn't fight back.It's for these reasons, and many more, that women who are victims often don't come forward – or wait for years, in cases, before they do. This allows abusers – typically, though not always, men – to continue to abuse for years, even decades."

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But today it’s imagery and ideologies have a new resonance. Eight years after its release, as Europe struggles to cope with the ongoing migration crisis - and as media and politicians seek to dehumanise the most vulnerable of people - District 9 is more relevant than ever."

Very sad news... Tony Doyle (Old Xav. - former pupil of mine) has passed away suddenly. Please keep him and his family in your prayers and thoughts. We will pray in our community for Tony and all the family. My heart goes out to them all. I have very fond memories of teaching Tony: a lovely personality, always smiling and joking.